Lulo/Naranjilla
Whole and transversely-cut lulos
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Subkingdom: Tracheobionta Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Asteridae Order: Solanales Family: Solanaceae Genus: Solanum Species: S. quitoense
Binomial name
Solanum quitoense Lam.

The naranjilla [na.ɾan.ˈxi.ʎa] (Ecuadorian Spanish) or lulo [ˈlu.lo] (Colombian Spanish, from Quechua) (Solanum quitoense Lam.) is a subtropical perennial plant from northwestern South America. The juice of the naranjillas is somewhat green and is used as a beverage. Ripe naranjilla fruit is very delicious, but must be harvested when fully ripe otherwise they can be quite sour. Naranjilla are attractive plants, with large heart shaped leaves up to 30cm in length. The leaves and stems of the plant are covered in short purple hairs. Naranjilla are fairly sensitive and must be protected from strong winds, and grow best in partial shade as full sunlight is too intense.

The specific epithet quitoense was named after Quito.

USDA/NRCS symbol (abbreviation): SOQU

References

• PLANTS National Database Reports and Topics SOQU
• GRIN/NPGS Taxonomy information Solanum quitoense Lam.
• Naranjilla in Fruits of Warm Climates by Morton, J. 1987

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